Cinema Paradiso – Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art

The Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning film tells a story about the magic of cinema, the power of memories, and growing up in Sicily under the shadow of the silver screen, which becomes a window to the world for young Totò. The story of the challenging friendship between a child and the projectionist Alfredo, over 30 years ago, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and entered the canon of cinema, enchanting new generations of movie lovers.

Renowned film director Salvatore Di Vita (Jacques Perrin) receives a phone call one night. The news he hears sets off a wave of nostalgic memories, all connected through cinema. It is in the cinema that, after World War II, little Totò (Salvatore Cascio) falls head over heels in love with the magic of the “moving pictures.” The boy wants only one thing: to befriend the projectionist Alfredo (Philippe Noiret). However, this task proves to be more difficult than he imagined. The titular Cinema Paradiso—with its extraordinary and equally unique audience, along with its rich program of films—becomes the backdrop for unforgettable adventures and Totò’s first “great love” as he grows up in the Sicilian countryside.

Cinema Paradiso remains to this day the most beautiful “love letter to cinema” ever written on film. This timeless story of friendship, dreams, growing up, and a profound fascination with the Seventh Art has captivated audiences all over the world.